Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong appeal to the citizens to use petrol, diesel, and gas with extreme restraint. He stated that reducing dependence on imported fuel would Notably help India mitigate the impact of the ongoing global conflicts. Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad after virtually inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects worth approximately ₹9,400 crore in Telangana, the Prime Minister emphasized that the judicious use of petroleum products has now become a national necessity.
Emphasis on Lifestyle Changes and Work From Home
The Prime Minister recalled the systems adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as work from home, online meetings, and video conferencing. He noted that people had become accustomed to these systems and suggested that it's now the need of the hour to prioritize them again for the country's benefit. According to PM Modi, reviving these habits would help save resources. He urged citizens to focus on saving foreign exchange, as the prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed globally. He stressed that it's every citizen's responsibility to save fuel and, consequently, the foreign currency spent on its import.
Appeal Against Foreign Travel, Gold Purchases, and Consumption
PM Modi pointed out that while the prices of petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers have risen sharply, the government has taken the entire financial burden on its shoulders to ensure citizens aren't affected. He stated that when global supply chains face a crisis, challenges are inevitable, and the nation must fight unitedly. He encouraged people to use the Metro where available and opt for carpooling if using a car is necessary, while for transporting goods, he advised prioritizing railways, as electric trains don't require petrol or diesel.
Key Measures to Save Foreign Exchange
Energy Security and Agricultural Reforms
Energy Security and Agricultural Reforms
Highlighting the importance of energy security, the Prime Minister stated that the central government is investing heavily in this sector. He mentioned that India has reached a top rank globally in solar power capacity, while the government is rapidly moving towards alternative and cleaner energy, including ethanol blending in petrol and expanding gas-based infrastructure. Regarding the fertilizer crisis, he informed that while a bag of fertilizer costs around ₹3,000 globally, the Indian government provides the same to farmers for less than ₹300.
Infrastructure Projects for Telangana
PM Modi assured continuous support for the development of Telangana and unveiled several key projects, while these include road, railway, petroleum, and textile infrastructure. Major initiatives include the four-laning of NH-167 between Gudebellur and Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji economic corridor, infrastructure development in the Zahirabad industrial area of Sangareddy district, and the Kazipet-Vijayawada railway multi-tracking project. On top of that, he inaugurated a greenfield petroleum, oil, and lubricant terminal in Hyderabad, the Kazipet Rail Under Rail bypass, and parts of the PM MITRA Park (Kakatiya Mega Textile Park) in Warangal.